Spontaneous intracranial hypotension associated with subdural hematoma: diagnostic usefulness of percutaneous subdural tapping and magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract

A 55-year-old woman presented with headache which was characterized by aggravation in the upright position and relief in recumbency. Although intracranial hypotension syndrome was considered to be the most-likely possible entity, computed tomography (CT) scans demonstrated subdural fluid collections associated with findings reminiscent of transtentorial herniation. Because of these CT features, cerebrospinal fluid pressure measurement by a lumbar puncture was not performed. In stead, as an alternative method, she underwent percutaneous subdural tapping, which failed to obtain spontaneous drainage of liquid haematoma, indicating intracranial hypotension. In addition, gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging study performed later supported the diagnosis of spontaneous intracranial hypotension. Thus, the usefulness and safety of percutaneous subdural tapping for the diagnosis of spontaneous intracranial hypotension is stressed.